Rail vehicle comprising an engine compartment and at least one driver's cab, and method for generating overpressure in the engine compartment

Abstract

In order to optimize the failure safety of electrical and electronic components located in an engine compartment of a rail vehicle, which additionally comprises at least one driver's cab, the rail vehicle is operated with an air conditioning system, which is provided to generate overpressure in the engine compartment and to control the climate of the at least one driver's cab. The air conditioning system includes a first air guidance system to introduce fresh air into the at least one driver's cab and a second air guidance system to transmit at least one part of the fresh air introduced into the at least one driver's cab into the engine compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates to a rail vehicle, for example a traction vehicle, especially a locomotive, a driving unit or a motor coach for a rail vehicle unit train, especially a driving unit for heavy rail vehicle unit trains, for example for long-distance, freight and regional trains wherein the rail vehicle has a system for air conditioning of the at least one driver's cab. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for generating an overpressure in the engine compartment in conjunction with an air conditioning system for the at least one driver's cab.Description of Related Art[0002]The engine compartment of such vehicles accommodates electrical equipment that is necessary in particular for operating the rail vehicle, for example, electrical components intended to supply power for an electrical traction drive, as well as auxiliary systems that do not directly serve to drive the vehicle, for example equipment fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention aims to improve the safety of components in an engine compartment by introducing air into the driver's cab and engine compartment through filters and / or cooling, to reduce impurities and moisture carrying with the air. By such a method, impurities and moisture are retained in the driver's cab and they precipitate there, minimizing the entry of impurities and moisture into the engine compartment. This also maintains an increased internal air pressure with respect to the environment, preventing impurities and moisture from entering from the outside. Evaporators may be installed before or after the driver's cab filter device, with the latter installation reducing the risk of fouling.

Problems solved by technology

Otherwise, the service life of this equipment is limited and its failure rate increases.

However, it has been found that the failure rate cannot be reduced sufficiently despite this.

Furthermore, it must be taken into consideration that the costs for manufacturing a rail vehicle may be high if a plurality of air conditioning units are used like that embodiment specified in EP 2 217 991 A1.

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